AWRI Review Highlights UV-C Light as Fungicide Alternative and 765+ Digital Journals for Australian Wine Industry

The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) has released its January Technical Review, providing updates on recent research and developments in viticulture and oenology. The publication, available online, features studies on a range of topics relevant to winemakers and grapegrowers across Australia.

One of the highlighted studies examines the toxicological and metabolic responses of Chironomus tepperi larvae to both acute and chronic exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a persistent environmental contaminant. This research addresses growing concerns about PFOS toxicity in agricultural environments.

Another article investigates the performance of crown seals under pressure, offering insights into packaging choices that can affect wine quality during storage and transport. The review also explores the presence of smoky characters in wine, discussing whether these flavors are considered distinctive or undesirable taints. This is particularly relevant for regions affected by bushfires, where smoke compounds can influence grape and wine profiles.

The influence of rootstocks on Pinot Noir was studied, focusing on how different rootstocks impact berry composition and wine characteristics. This research aims to help growers select rootstocks that optimize grape quality under varying vineyard conditions.

Advancements in analytical techniques are also featured, including the development and validation of 1H-NMR analysis for wine metabolites. This method allows for more precise profiling of wine composition, supporting quality control and product development.

Viticultural studies in the review cover several practical topics. Research on cover crops demonstrates their role in increasing soil carbon retention in semi-arid sloping vineyards, which can improve soil health and sustainability. Other studies address treatments for grapevine trunk diseases, strategies for managing drought stress, and the effects of late pruning on grape production.

The review includes findings on the use of UV-C light as an alternative to fungicides for controlling powdery mildew in New Zealand vineyards. This approach could reduce chemical inputs while maintaining disease control.

Oenological research highlights include work on bacteria capable of degrading guaiacol, a compound linked to smoke taint in wine. There is also a comparison of gelatin and plant proteins for clarifying grape musts using flotation techniques, which may offer alternatives for producers seeking non-animal fining agents.

Additional articles discuss the detection thresholds for specific aroma compounds in wine, differences between expert and consumer ability to identify smoke exposure in wines from California, and methods for partial dealcoholization using membrane dialysis.

Australian winemakers and grapegrowers can access abstracts and full articles through the John Fornachon Memorial Library at no cost. The library offers more than 765 digital journals and magazines, with options to set up alerts for new issues or topics of interest.

The AWRI’s Technical Review is curated by Dr. Peter Dry, Emeritus Fellow, and Matt Holdstock, Engagement Specialist. The institute’s work is supported by Wine Australia through levies from grapegrowers and winemakers, with additional funding from the Australian Government. AWRI is part of the Wine Innovation Cluster based in Adelaide, South Australia.